What is the difference between Alistair and Maric?

Maric was more stubborn and moody than Alistair.

But how much of that is nature, and how much nurture? Even in backwater rebel camps, Maric was raised and trained to become king. Even if he didn't like it, Maric lived with the expectations all his life. On the other hand, Alistair was a bastard, inconvenient and unwanted (or so he thought). Shoved from one home to next, pretty much everyone made it clear to Alistair that he had no place among the nobility, much less royalty. It was only because of the Blight, Cailan's death and the civil war that Aemon or the other nobles became desperate enough to even consider him a viable alternative to Anora. Whether or not Alistair truly made peace with that, or simply put on a brave face is up to the player. 

phoray
Would've much preferred that over the 'Blackwall' we got. 
Also hated that scene you mentioned. I don't get how people say that book makes Loghain more sympathetic. 

I meant those who say it makes him more empathetic, not sympathetic. My apologies. 

Phoray used him as an example in their post.

I definitely see where you're coming from, the chattiness and self-deprecation make Maric, Alistair and Cailan all seem very much alike. But there are subtle differences.

I read Maric as more determined. As in having any resolve at all whatsoever. He's also much more romantic than Alistair. He wants to fight on the front lines because it makes him feel more worthy of the people who believe in him and those who already gave their lives. Cailan fights on the front line because that's what heroes do in stories. Alistair fights on the front lines because it's all he thinks he's good for, because all his friends are already there and might need his help, and because it keeps him from having to make any important decisions in the meantime. Maric can't stand feeling useless and ignored. Cailan is a regular glory hound. Alistair would just love to fly under the radar if he could.

And Maric was a womanizer. He fell in true love with practically every beautiful woman who made him feel like the hero he felt people deserved, and tended to take them for granted if they stuck around long enough for him to get used to them. Cailan doesn't seem to have been very different. By contrast, Alistair would cling to any woman he respected who showed him an ounce of affection, and never dare look at another woman again for fear of pushing his luck.

Cailan got all of Maric's romanticism and charm, but none of the humility or uncertainty that allowed him to slow down and rely on wiser heads, which was what did him in at Ostagar. Alistair got all his father's insecurity and indecision with none of the high-mindedness or panache, but unlike his father and brother he's a steady worker who has learned to satisfy himself with the simple things in life, as long as he's left in peace.

Maric follows because he knows when he's out of his depth and that it's nothing to be ashamed of, as long as he's ready to lead when it falls to him. Alistair follows because thank god there's someone else willing to take responsibility so people won't have to see him fail miserably.

And besides all that, my impression is that Alistair is a much better warrior than either his brother or his father. He's more grounded and disciplined, better trained, way more experienced in both personal combat and skirmishes, and much better able to follow a plan and work with the people around him to get the job done right without unnecessary risk or flourishes. Maric and Cailan would both have gotten their asses kicked six ways to sunday if they ever thought to challenge Loghain to a duel.

Well, I never personally killed Maric’s mother. That’s one key difference. 😈

... The Red Queen?